Cloud cover gave Scotland’s eclipse watchers mixed results, with many seeing only brief glimpses while others experienced the unusual dimming and cooling as the Moon blocked most of the Sun. The event was the most dramatic solar eclipse visible from the UK since August 1999, drawing crowds to locations including Edinburgh, Ayr and Whitelee Windfarm.

The eclipse began shortly after 18:00 on Wednesday and lasted about two hours, with Scotland seeing up to 95% of the Sun obscured at its peak. Clearer breaks in the cloud allowed some spectators, particularly in the east, to see a crescent of sunlight, while totality was visible in parts of Spain and Portugal. Smaller eclipses are expected in coming years, but the next total solar eclipse will not occur until 23 September 2090.